Environmental Engineering Specialist (Hazardous Waste Management)
Organizational Context
The UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) operates across 12 countries in South-East Europe, Türkiye, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. It delivers technical expertise, operational support, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. The office supports a diverse portfolio, including environmental initiatives like hazardous waste management in Central Asia, reinforcing its role as a regional centre of excellence.
Job Purpose
The Environmental Engineering Specialist (Hazardous Waste Management) provides critical technical advice and expertise for a GEF-funded project focused on the demonstration of non-thermal treatment of DDT and POPs wastes in Central Asia. This role is essential for ensuring the effective design, implementation, and oversight of remediation works at contaminated sites in Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. The specialist will adapt approaches to project-specific needs, manage technical aspects of procurement, and ensure strict compliance with international guidelines, thereby strengthening national and regional capacities for hazardous waste management.
Responsibilities
The Environmental Engineering Specialist will provide expert technical advice to the Senior Project Manager, ensuring effective remediation of hazardous waste sites. Key duties include reviewing and revising technical documentation, Terms of Reference, and procurement processes for infrastructure design, construction, and remediation activities, ensuring alignment with national legislation and international best practices. The specialist will oversee site-level remediation activities for DDT and other POPs, adhering to Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP). Responsibilities also encompass tracking changes in hazardous waste regulations, liaising with national authorities on HSE requirements, and reviewing contractor deliverables for compliance. Additionally, the role involves supporting procurement by evaluating bids, conducting site inspections, reviewing environmental permits, and ensuring quality assurance for delivered goods and services, as well as producing technical specifications and narrative reports.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience in hazardous waste management, site remediation, or industrial HSE supervision is required. This should include experience in developing, implementing, or overseeing remediation plans, environmental monitoring, or supervising hazardous waste operations. Experience within national environmental authorities or engineering consultancies is also valuable. Desired experience includes knowledge of international contaminated site legislation, hazardous waste transport regulations (ADR), and working with international organizations in Central Asia.
Skills
Environmental Management Systems, Hazard Analysis, Policy Analysis, Procurement, Project Management, Quality Assurance, Technical Analysis